I used to think that getting saved was the entire goal with God. If I did that, I had done all there was to do. I was good. I knew that I was supposed to read my Bible. I knew that I was supposed to pray. I knew that I was supposed to go to church. I knew that I was supposed to behave myself.
But I did not know that God had more than that for you and me. He wants a relationship.
I didn’t know that God would intervene to fix things I had messed up and could not fix on my own. I didn’t know that God would place people and things in my path to encourage me when I needed it the most. I didn’t know he would place His hand of protection over me multiple times to keep me safe. I did not know that God would tell me so clearly a week before my father died that he was dying so I could make time to spend with him before he died. I did not know that God would let my schedule be double booked time and time again and then a call would come in from someone canceling one of those appointments or meetings because He really wanted me to be at the other.
I didn’t know about God encounters that would touch me so deeply that I would forever be changed.
I did not know that I could love God so much that I could miss Him more than I have ever missed anyone else because I didn’t set aside time to pray or worship and be alone with God.
Why did no one tell me when I first came to know Jesus as my Savior? Maybe they did, but I just did not hear it. Maybe I was just not able to comprehend that there was more to God because I was not ready. Maybe I just did not need God enough to think about it. Maybe I was just too self-focused.
Let’s look at scripture.
From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy. I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever: I will trust in the covert of thy wings. Selah.
Psalms 61:2-4
God is our refuge and our strong tower. We can find protection in God.
A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, is God in his holy habitation.
Psalms 68:5
The word judge used here means advocate. God is father to the fatherless and advocate of the widows.
Someone that you can run to and depend on in these ways is obviously actively involved in your life. He is watching. He is paying attention. He is intervening. He is reaching out to you.
LIFE APPLICATION
Key Focal Verse:
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
John 10:27
Today’s challenge is to take a look at your relationship with God. Is it a really a relationship? Hint: A relationship involves spending time together. If you have a personal relationship with God, that’s AWESOME. If not, what’s holding you back?
God is waiting for you.